In Hong Kong, the death of a local college student marks the first fatality directly connected to police actions since the mass protests started in early June.
He had been in critical condition with severe injuries to his head since Nov. 3 after he was found unconscious in a pool of blood on the second floor of a parking lot at the Sheung Tak public housing estate in Tseung Kwan O.
According to Hong Kong media, Chow had fallen from the parking lot’s third floor where police had reportedly fired tear gas in response to protesters throwing bottles and bricks at officers from the building. With no closed-circuit cameras capturing the incident, the circumstances surrounding Chow’s fall remain unclear.
Chow’s death could potentially spark more protesters to take to the streets, as protesters have been unhappy with the police’s use of force against them.
Local police have been accused of delaying emergency treatment to the student by blocking a road leading to the parking lot, resulting in paramedics having to walk to Chow’s location.
Hong Kong protests, now in their 6th month, have shown no sign of ending after millions took to the streets, initially to voice opposition against the city government’s proposal of an extradition bill that included mainland China, which many feared would erode the city’s judicial independence.
Though the bill has since been formally withdrawn, protesters have continued to take to the streets and hold rallies, demanding greater democracy such as universal suffrage, and an independent inquiry over instances of police violence.
“We will not leave anyone behind—what we start together, we finish together,” Wong wrote. “Given the losses suffered by HK society in the past month, the gov must pay the price,” he added.
Possession of Laser Pointer Deemed Criminal Offense
On Nov. 7, a Hong Kong court convicted a 16-year-old on one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and another count of possession of an instrument fit for unlawful purposes, according to local media.The “weapons” in his possession were a modified umbrella with a longer than usual stem and a laser pointer.
The teenager was arrested near Tuen Mun metro station on Sept. 21 after a body search. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 25. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment or a fine of HK$5,000 ($640).
The case marks the first time that possession of a laser pointer has been considered a criminal offense. Hong Kong protesters have been known to use the pointers for direct light against surveillance cameras and police officers during protests.
Magistrate So Wai-tak argued that the teenager wouldn’t need to bring a laser printer or other protective gear if his intentions were to “express his views peacefully.”
The lawmaker pointed out that, based on So’s logic, people wearing helmets could also be accused of having the “intention” to use their helmet to hit people.
Face masks, helmets, and umbrellas have become signature items for Hong Kong’s protesters in their months-long protest against the current pro-Beijing government.
